Premier Pat Binns today announced he has granted the Honourable Pat Mella's request for a temporary leave of absence as Provincial Treasurer. The leave was granted for medical reasons.
In the interim, Premier Binns will assume responsibilities as acting Provincial Treasurer.
The Premier confirmed that Minister Mella will honour a previous commitment to represent Prince Edward Island at the Provincial Finance Minister's Meeting to be held in Montreal June 13-14. At that meeting, Minister Mella will underscore Prince Edward Island's position respecting the removal of the ceiling on the Equalization Program.
Public inquiries regarding matters under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Provincial Treasury can still be directed to the Minister's Office at 368-4050.